Indomethacin acts as an antitumor and anticachexic agent in colon 26-bearing CDF1 mice

Abstract

Background

This study uses Colon 26-bearing CDF1 mice to assess the pharmacologic actions of indomethacin on tumor growth and cancer cachexia. The effect on tumor growth was evaluated by tumor weight, and the effect on cachexia was screened by changes in body weight and food intake. Additional indices measured included serum levels of immunosuppressive acidic protein and interleukin-6, and prostaglandin E2 content in the tumor tissues.

Methods

Indomethacin (1.0 mg/kg body weight, by oral gavage twice per day) was given to 2 groups of mice, group B (long-term therapy) for 21 days, and group C (short-term therapy) for 7 days. A control group (A) received twice-daily oral gavage of the vehicle alone.

Results

Mean tumor weight was significantly reduced in groups B and C, compared to the control group. Group B had significantly less body weight loss, and true body weight increased significantly in group C mice from day 17, as compared with the control mice. Serum levels of immunosuppressive acidic protein were significantly reduced in both groups B and C, when compared to the nontreated controls. Serum levels of interleukin-6 were also significantly reduced in both groups B and C, compared to the controls. Prostaglandin E2 content in the tumor tissues was significantly lower in both groups B and C than it was in the controls.

Conclusion

Indomethacin was shown to act as an antitumor and anticachexic agent. These findings suggest a potential role for indomethacin as a therapeutic agent for cancer.